Looking Up to God
Pastor Tan Thai · Jan 5, 2014
This sermon based on Psalm 121 explores the necessity of trusting in God in every life circumstance. The preacher emphasizes that true help comes from the Creator of heaven and earth, who never sleeps nor is interrupted in His providential care.
The sermon opens with the familiar image of Christmas decorations being put away and a new year beginning, raising the central theme that in all of life's changes, people need enduring relationships. The preacher quotes Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 to present three values of relationship: being helped up when one falls, being encouraged when discouraged, and being protected when attacked. A Swedish proverb and various life illustrations are used to demonstrate the necessity of community.
However, the sermon points out that there are circumstances where even loved ones and friends cannot help. The author of Psalm 121, on a pilgrimage up to Jerusalem for worship, lifted his eyes to the hills and asked: 'Where does my help come from?' The clear answer is that help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The preacher emphasizes that acknowledging one's need for God is not weakness or blind faith, but rather the wisdom to recognize the only complete and sufficient source of help.
The sermon analyzes the word 'keep' (shamar) appearing repeatedly in Psalm 121:3-8, highlighting the continuous and uninterrupted nature of God's providence. He never sleeps, never slumbers, and watches over His people day and night, in coming and going, protecting both body and soul. The story of footprints in the sand and the account of a young Native American brave spending the night alone in the forest while his father silently watched over him are used to illustrate God's invisible yet real presence.
The preacher divides believers into three groups: those who decisively follow closely after God like sheep following their shepherd, those who want nothing to do with God, and those who are hesitant and wavering. He warns that choosing not to decide is itself a decision, and only those who are closely bonded to God fully receive His providential protection. The contrasting examples of Judas, Peter, and Paul illustrate the difference between turning away and repenting to return to the Lord.
The sermon closes with a practical call as the new year begins: look up to God and trust in His keeping in every circumstance. Whether sun or moon shines, whether day or night, God is always watching and nothing happens in our lives that He does not know. This is the firm foundation on which to step into a new year with peace and confidence.